How AIESEC Transformed My University Life and Career Path

I was a complete introvert when I started college. After clearing the IITJEE and securing admission to ISM Dhanbad now known as IIT ISM Dhanbad, I heard a lot about the extra-curricular activities and the importance of participating in various clubs and societies for building a strong resume for placements. Being a shy girl and with no specific interests in music, dance, photography, or dramatics, I initially joined some student-managed NGOs in my first year. Though I enjoyed being part of them, it felt like a lot of students were doing the same. I craved for a way to step out of my comfort zone and do something different.

Finding AIESEC

In my second year, I was introduced to AIESEC, a student-run organization that was said to be the largest youth-run organization in the world, offering international internships to students. The idea of participating in a social project, spending parent's money, and traveling to a different country during my semester breaks while doing engineering seemed bizarre. However, I realized that AIESEC offered a unique experience that was different from what other students were doing. Since AIESEC was not as popular in my college at the time, I decided it was my chance to experiment.

Induction and Cultural Immersion

The induction into AIESEC began with a jive, a fun group dance that every member and team had to perform before any meeting. Jives were a part of our regular meetings, along with roll calls, icebreakers, and team bonding activities. The official language of AIESEC is English, which enabled me to improve my spoken English, as I had studied in a Hindi medium school till Class 8th. Within a year, I had transformed from an introvert to the head of Talent Management, conducting over 50 interviews in a day and training 30 associate members.

Global Experiences and Friendships

I learned to work with students from Russia, Peru, and Germany who came to Dhanbad to do social projects in one of the most backward and interior regions of India. Being part of AIESEC allowed me to gain valuable global exposure and friendships. My team visited many local NGOs and schools in Dhanbad, convincing them to do projects with international volunteers from AIESEC. This experience has not only broadened my perspective but also helped me develop strong interpersonal skills.

Impact on Career

Although the AIESEC experience did not directly land me a great job, it played a crucial role in shaping my career. I was the topper of my class and secured AIR 43 in GATE 2015. The confidence and experience gained in AIESEC have undoubtedly transformed me into the person I am today. The skills and confidence that AIESEC nurtured have also helped me clear two prestigious company interviews during my college placements.

Conclusion

The experience at AIESEC was instrumental in shaping my life during college and transforming my career path. It has made me proud of who I am, providing a lasting impact on my personal and professional growth.